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Posts Tagged ‘customers’

Don’t Force Them to Sit There

Posted in Shopkeeping talk, tagged , , , , on June 12, 2019| 4 Comments »

I’m gonna just put this out there, folks. I know you all like to do one LOOOONG Facebook Live peddling your merchandise. 45- to 70-minute long Facebook live videos seem to be the rage nowadays. But think about it…

is this how your IRL shopper SHOPS?

Of course not. If you required her to sit through a demonstration of the interior of a dozen designer bags, when she’s popped in to see what she can use as a beach coverup…

will she buy that instead of what she is looking for?

So why do loooong live videos with something from every darn department of your shop, and make your viewers suffer through all sorts of sizes when she needs a double or triple 0? Think she’ll enjoy that? Nope,

she’ll click away from your smiling face, much as she loves you.

I’ve done it, you’ve done it. Ain’t got time for this, wish I could see [name of whatever she’s in the market for].

So here’s my suggestion:

(more…)

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Resale store layout don’t’s

Posted in Shopkeeping talk, tagged , , , , on March 29, 2019|

Last post here on TGTbT.com‘s Auntie Kate blog we talked about the do’s of arranging and managing the sales floor plan of your resale, consignment, or thrift shop. Today, some things you do not want to see. (And some things you might want to change up for maximum sales.)

Shop layout don’t’s

DON’T let too-high (more…)

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Take a look at your sales floor.

Posted in Shopkeeping talk, tagged , , , on March 28, 2019|

Take a look at your sales floor. Is it pulling its weight?

Seriously. Your resale, consignment or thrift shop layout is SO important. It’s even MORE important that the layout of a new merchandise store might be, because not only do you probably have a wider range of categories, styles, colors, sizes, but you also have NO idea what merchandise you’ll have in store a week or a month from now.

So it’s crucial that all the do’s and don’ts of resale sales floor arrangement be tended to. Today, the do’s. Tomorrow the don’ts.

Store Layout Do’s:

DO provide a “foyer” so customers can see what’s available as they enter. Some call this a “landing zone”.

DO allow for a free flow of customer traffic through all areas. If there’s the possiblity of butt-brush, that area will be bypassed.

DO provide generous aisles so customers don’t feel crowded. Crowded = uneasy. Uneasy = they will cut their browsing short and leave.

DO allow space in front of your dressing rooms for a full-length mirror and accessorizing. You want you helpers to have room to interact and upsell.

Resale shops need to have the right layout says Auntie Kate of TGtbT.blog

For deeper details plus 200 more pages of resale operations assistance, click.

DO watch the heights of racks to allow a over-all view of the entire store. If you can’t see their eyes, they can’t see you. If you can’r see them, how are you going to interact with them?

DO allow your merchandise enough space so it looks neat and uncluttered. With the wide variety in resale, this is crucial. You want it to look like a store, not a teenager’s closet.

DO think ahead so you have flexibility in arranging categories. Remember, what will you need room for next week?

DO leave space for displays, two-ways, highlighted racks. Row after row of sleeves hanging out, or couches lined up like soldeiers, never inspired a purchase yet.

DO use “selling” signs that tell customers what’s where… and why they should buy it!Rack signage shouldn’t be JUST informative, it should be motivating! Not shorts but Feel free, wear shorts! or “Let us free” said your knees.

DO use mirrors as much as possible for customer convenience, reflected light, and security. “Nuff said.

DO remember “negative space”: empty areas that set off merchandise. Breathing space. If it feels slightly claustrophobia-inducing to you, it is.

DO allow for space for YOU to work at straightening, markdowns, displays. Give yourself a break and make yourself comfortable. Lest you don’t do ot…

Tomorrow, the dont’s of store layout.

 

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“I’m the boss. How come they don’t treat me like I am?”

Posted in Mailbox: 1-on-1 Advice, Shopkeeping talk, tagged , , , on March 4, 2019| 5 Comments »

A great question in Auntie Kate’s email box recently. T. H. asks:

Why do customers and consignors give me a hard time? They always argue with me (My things are more in style than what they have out here or They priced this too high, you need to mark it down) and that “they” really irks me. I’m “they” for heaven’s sake! Even my employees are always picking on me: they rearranged my work area last week when I was off! I won’t even tell you how service providers and salesmen treat me.

I’m the boss. How come they don’t treat me like I am?

Auntie Kate answers: A boss needs to look and act the part.

Perhaps your boss-persona needs some polishing. What type of impression do you make on people? When a stranger walks into the shop, can she tell you’re the boss by your charming inviting manner? Or are you often mistaken for the cleaning lady because you have your head down and barely mutter Hi?

Do you dress professionally? It’s hard for a client to respect you and your wonderful store if you are wearing (more…)

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What better symbol for resale… than a St. Patrick’s pot of gold?

Posted in Shopkeeping talk, tagged , , on February 28, 2019|

A rainbow (of color, style, sizes, brands) ending in a pot of gold (value, desire, fashion!)…

the symbol of good luck is synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day.

And of course, the treasure- seeking aspect is what (more…)

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